Developer options and USB debugging
Developer options is a hidden Android settings screen for app development and testing. It appears after you tap Build number seven times in Settings > About phone, and it contains USB debugging, which lets a computer with Android Debug Bridge (adb) install apps, read logs and run shell commands on the phone.
1Turning it on
Settings > About phone > tap Build number seven times (on some phones it is under Software information) and confirm with your PIN. The new screen appears under Settings > System > Developer options or directly in Settings.
2USB debugging
When a computer connects with USB debugging on, the phone asks 'Allow USB debugging?' and shows the computer's RSA key fingerprint. Only computers you allow can use adb.
3Other options
Animation scales, Stay awake while charging and default USB configuration are common. Changing options you do not understand can cause instability.
How to turn USB debugging on and off
- Open Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times.
- Open Developer options and turn on USB debugging.
- Connect the computer and allow its key only if it is yours.
- When finished, turn USB debugging off, or use 'Revoke USB debugging authorizations'.
Cautions
- Never allow USB debugging for a computer, charger or kiosk you do not control.
- Some banking and work apps refuse to run while developer options are on.
Related articles
- USB tethering on AndroidHow to share an Android phone's mobile data with a computer over a USB cable, with the menu paths on Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei.
- App permissions on AndroidHow Android runtime permissions work, how to review them per app or per permission, and what 'only while using the app' means.
- Safe mode on AndroidWhat Android safe mode is, how to start it on Pixel, Samsung and other phones, and how to use it to find a problem app.
Sources
- Configure on-device developer options (Android Developers) developer.android.com
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